NPA supporters surrender

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 14): 37 NPA supporters surrender

Thirty-seven organizers and supporters of the New People’s Army in Siaton, Negros Oriental, surrendered to the 79th Infantry Battalion, and pledged allegiance to the government, 1Lt. Erick Wynmer Calulot, said yesterday.

The ex-rebels took their oath before Siaton Mayor Alberto Ator in Sitio Catipon, Brgy. Bonawon of the town, attended by Brig. Gen. Francisco Patrimonio, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, and 79IB soldiers.

Of the 37 rebel supporters, five are leaders of the Grupong Pang-organisa of the CPP-NPA operating in the hinterlands of Siaton town, Calulot said.

In their testimonial message during the program, GP leaders Marlon Tropisado and Delfino Pajunar called on their fellow residents to support the government and stop being unwilling victims of insurgents.

The medical outreach program, organized by the 79IB, benefited about 500 barangay residents through medical consultations, medicine distribution, dental, circumcision, senior citizen’s ID processing, animal vaccination, free haircuts and massage, and feeding.

Calulot said Bonawon barangay captain Gina Estrella thanked them for the support of the Army, the provincial and local government units, and other volunteers to her constituents, and, in return, vowed to further strengthen her commitment in leading her constituents to support all government programs.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/December/14/negor2.htm